NEW YORK - Derek Jeter can't help but peek at the scoreboard when he heads to the plate and see his average plunging.
Jeter, a .317 career hitter coming into the season, is in the worst drought of his career, 0-for-21 after going 0-for-5 against the Red Sox on Saturday. Even the ultra-cool captain, who is hitting .184, admitted he was pressing after the Yankees got only four hits in their 3-2 loss in 12 innings.
Jeter had 0-for-18 slumps in 1997 and '99, but he got off to torrid starts both years and the midseason droughts didn't affect his average much. He hit .291 in 1997, .349 in 1999.
With the potential winning run at second in the 10th inning, Jeter grounded out to second against Keith Foulke.
"You get to where you're trying so hard to get a hit, you start swinging at pitches out of the strike zone," Jeter said.
CUBS: Mark Prior threw 50 pitches off the mound without problems and could pitch a simulated game as early as this week. The right-hander will have two days off before another mound session Tuesday in Arizona.
DODGERS: Right-hander Brian Falkenborg was activated from the 15-day disabled list, and outfielder Chin-Feng Chen was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.
EXPOS: Third baseman Scott Hodges was activated from the 15-day disabled list, then sent to Triple-A Edmonton. He began the season on the DL because of a strained right quadriceps muscle.
INDIANS: The team purchased the contract of right-hander Kazuhito Tadano from Triple-A Buffalo and designated right-hander David Lee for assignment.
METS: Third baseman Ty Wigginton was released from the hospital after being treated for an ulcer. Wigginton is expected in Port St. Lucie this week for rehab and is eligible to return May 6.
RANGERS: Left-hander Kenny Rogers will miss his scheduled start today because of flu-like symptoms. Manager Buck Showalter said there is a chance Rogers might throw an inning or two out of the bullpen if needed and probably will start this week.
REDS: Pinch-hitter Ryan Freel was struck on the left side of his face by a Jason Boyd fastball. Freel dropped to the ground and lay motionless for a minute or so. He got up after several minutes.
ROYALS: Left-hander Darrell May left in the fifth because of a strained muscle in his left thigh. ... Pitcher Kevin Appier was placed on the DL because of a sore elbow. Kansas City activated closer Mike MacDougal - recovered from a stomach virus - from the DL and promoted right-handed reliever Justin Huisman and outfielder David DeJesus from Triple-A Omaha.
